Risk of domestic abuse rises during lockdown

Tension at home

Deborah Urquhart, Deputy Leader of West Sussex County Council and Cabinet Member for Environment acknowledges that the risk of domestic abuse during lockdown is greater but that support is available.

Measures announced over recent weeks to tackle the coronavirus have seen people’s day-to-day life drastically alter. These essential changes are requiring families to spend unusually high amounts of time together at home.

The economic effects of the pandemic are also causing hardship, anxiety and placing additional stress on individuals and families.

The government acknowledges that the order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses people are under.

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence. It can also include, but is not limited to: coercive control, economic abuse, online abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and/or sexual abuse.

If you or anyone you know is worried about or experiencing domestic abuse, services remain open and the council have extended the availability of specialist help, support and advice on the following telephone number.

Call Worth Domestic Abuse Service: 0330 222 8181 (Monday to Friday, 9am- 5pm) or 07834 968539 (weekends, including Bank Holidays, 9am – 5pm)

Please see the following link which provides information about what you need to do if you need urgent police help through the silent 999 service.

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